Zoro hasn’t talked about it simply because no one’s ever asked.
Him being gay, that is.
He figures some of the crew are already aware; definitely the women anyway, if their knowing glances are anything to go by. Robin looks at him with curiosity but no judgement. Nami looks at him with understanding. He may not always be the first to click onto things, but there is no denying where Nami’s attractions lie. Of course, the shit cook probably lives in a world of denial.
In any case, if he can read Nami like that, then it is no surprise really that she can read him in the same way. Subtlety has never been his forte. Especially when it comes to their captain.
Yeah, Luffy. Their silly but ever strong rubber captain.
You see, Zoro experiences attraction but unlike the shit cook, he doesn’t let it run rampant. He doesn’t make heart eyes at every attractive man he sees. That’s just not how he operates. Never has been. Not only would it be uncharacteristic of him but, but he’s got blinkers on, limiting his focus to his goal of being the greatest swordsman and also of Luffy becoming the Pirate King. So really, other men pose no distraction for him.
Except Luffy, that is.
And without a doubt, their captain is what most likely alerted the women to his sexuality. Or to be more accurate, his behaviours around said captain. Glances that are a little too longing or a little too hungry; touches that linger a beat too long; the occasional allowance of Luffy taking food from his plate; the lack of angry reaction when Luffy makes himself comfortable in his lap (Chopper is the only other one who can get away with this, but for entirely different reasons); the way his eyes light up when Luffy makes an appearance; those are just to name a few.
But you see, Zoro is in deep with Luffy. It’s not just attraction; if it were, it would be much easier to handle. No. Zoro’s got it bad.
After all, you don’t just offer your life in place of your captain’s out of loyalty alone. Some might, but not Zoro, anyway. Not when he has his own goals he wants to achieve.
No. There’s no denying it. He’s in love with their goofball; their Luffy. Zoro knows this and has been aware of it for a very long time.
But you know what the scary part is? It’s not Luffy not returning his feelings, no, he can deal with that. It’s the thought of living his life without Luffy that truly unnerves him.
Don’t get Zoro wrong — he loves all the crew, even shit cook (though he’ll never admit that aloud). Losing any one of them would make him distraught, to an extent he’s sure they wouldn’t believe. And he would do anything in his power to ensure their safety.
But they’re not Luffy. And with Luffy things were just amplified tenfold. Those two years apart were so incredibly hard without the captain by his side. He thanks his lucky stars he landed where he did, though. Mihawk managed to keep him focused and help him get stronger. The recurring thought he had, that motivated him endlessly, was simply: Luffy. Luffy was, and still is, his goal, his motivation, his heart.
But is he Luffy’s?
Sometimes the way Luffy looks at him misleads him into fantasising about what ifs. What if Luffy loves him in the same way Zoro loves him? It’s a frequent fantasy he has. He has this idyllic vision of the crew sticking together beyond Laughtale and Luffy’s ascension to Pirate King. Everyone’s achieved their dreams. They’re back in East Blue, just sailing the seas without a destination or purpose in mind. He’s gazing out at the ocean when he feels arms wrap around his waist and a body pressed firmly against his back. What are you thinking of, Zoro? comes Luffy’s voice, his voice hushed —- no longer filled with the same boundless energy as his younger self. Zoro just smiles and places his hand over the top of Luffy’s where it’s placed against his haramaki. Their wedding rings glinting in the sun.
It’s not exactly a very complete fantasy, but it’s one he has repeatedly. He, Luffy, the crew, all content. Happy. He and Luffy married. It’s a wild and cliched thought; Zoro knows this, but it fills him with warmth nevertheless.